Brown Ambition

In this week’s Brown Table, Mandi is joined by Yanely Espinal (@missbehelpful) and Marc Russell from Better Wallet to break down the new “baby bonds” launching in 2025 (if your baby’s already here... sorry, you missed the cutoff 😅).We also get into the mess around the so-called “Social Security tax credit” (spoiler: it’s not a credit), and why that distinction matters—especially for those of us managing our parents’ finances. Plus: Mandi gets real about possibly saying goodbye to NYC for good, the crew recaps the Essence Fest scheduling nightmare (Lauryn Hill at 3:37 AM!?), and we talk about what it truly means to feel safe, seen, and at home.   ✨ Brown Boosts & Brown Breaks Yanely celebrates Delaware becoming the 30th state to require financial literacy for high schoolers! Marc shouts out the book Die with Zero and challenges the “save everything” mindset   🎧 Quick Hits What baby bonds actually are—and who qualifies Why mixing up deductions vs. credits is a big financial fail The fear, facts, and pressure around gun ownership in the South Essence Fest recap: sound issues, late starts, and why some fans were not having it   We launched a Patreon! 🎉🎥 Get early access to ad-free video recordings, join our BA book club, and even score a seat live in the studio during tapings. 👉 patreon.com/brownambitionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Washday Woosah, BA Fam! It's the Sunday slow-down you need, something to listen to while you're doing the laundry, deep conditioning, or simply enjoying a nice quiet moment of relaxation before the Sunday scaries start to hit.  If you needed a sign to play matchmaker for your friends, this episode is it! Gabrielle and I were "set up" by a mutual friend during the pandemic when he realized we were two media mavens juggling our careers and motherhood in New York and somehow had never crossed paths. Gabrielle is a multi-hyphenate who's lead communications at technology giants like Disney ABC, Comcast NBCUniversal, CBS Corporation and Amazon. She's a college professor at NYU and Columbia and a proud wife and mother of two. Today, I got to dive deep with Gabrielle who shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Los Angeles to becoming the Chief Communications Officer at Hachette Book Group. She discusses the importance of mentorship, the impact of her upbringing on her career, and the significance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Gabrielle also emphasizes the need for work-life balance, her financial strategies, and her commitment to teaching and empowering the next generation. The discussion highlights the challenges and triumphs of navigating a successful career while being a dedicated mother and partner. I hope you're loving these Washday Woosah episodes as much as I am! If there's anyone in particular you'd love to hear from or a topic you'd like me to address, don't be shy! DM me at @brownambitionpodcast on IG or hit me up at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com.  New here? Join us three times a week: • 💼 Washday Woosah (Sunday interviews with inspiring guests) • 🪑 Brown Table Wednesdays (group chat energy, always) • 🎤 BA Q&A Fridays + Conversations! (your money + career questions answered)We launched a Patreon, too! 🎥 Get early access to ad-free video recordings, the BA book club, and even get a chance to be LIVE in the studio audience during show tapings. 👉 patreon.com/brownambition Stay Connected:🔗 @brownambitionpodcast 🌐 brownambitionpodcast.com 💌 Leave a review—your feedback fuels us, BA Fam!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey BA Fam! Mandi's riding solo today for the brown table and sharing insights on the biggest headlines that impact your wallet.  New here?Join us three times a week: 💼 Washday Woosah (Sunday interviews with inspiring guests) 🪑 Brown Table Wednesdays (group chat energy, always) 🎤 BA Q&A Fridays + Conversations! (your money + career questions answered) We launched a Patreon, too!🎥 Get early access to ad-free video recordings, the BA book club, and even get a chance to be LIVE in the studio audience during show tapings. 👉 patreon.com/brownambition Stay Connected:🔗 @brownambitionpodcast🌐 brownambitionpodcast.com💌 Leave a review—your feedback fuels us, BA Fam! Let’s keep rising, building, and showing out. 💼💰✊🏾See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey Ba Fam! It's Mandi — yes, human me! And yes, I use em-dashes in real life! This ain't Chatgpt!  Ok, so you might be surprised (hopefully delighted!) to see new episode of the show in your feed on a Sunday.  I used to reserve my one-on-one guest interviews for our Monday show, but you know what....Sundays make so much more sense. It's wash day. For our bodies, our hair, our dishes, that overflowing pile of laundry that's been accumulating on the side of our bed all week (I know it aint just me!)) ...maybe we're on our way to spend 5 hours at the African braiding salon getting our summer buss-down boho braids installed... whatever it is, Sunday's the day when we're all looking for something to tune into that doesn't drag us down but rather rejuvenates, reinvigorates, and resets us for the week ahead.  So, here we go. Every Sunday, we're bringing you our Washday Woosahs, which are inspiring, uplifting conversations from a roster of incredible guests. For today, I hope you enjoy this conversation with the brilliant and hilarious Dr. Raquel Martin, PHD, a therapist, professor, and viral social media star whose mental health hot takes garner millions of views and genuinely make *US* feel seen.  On the show, Dr. Martin dives deep into her career as a therapist and how she's working on her first book, running an incredible low-cost group therapy ecosystem for Black women (and how you can join a future cohort!). It's called Burn the Cape > https://www.raquelmartinphd.com/burnthecape Much love, MandiMoney See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BA fam, we’re diving deep into the world of credit cards this week! Mandi, Yanely (aka MissBeHelpful), and Chris Browning break down the newest updates to premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, and Capital One Venture X. From new streaming perks to rising annual fees (hi, $795!), they weigh in on what’s actually worth it and what’s just hype. If you’re thinking about upgrading your card or just want to travel smarter, this one’s for you. 💳 What You’ll Learn: Which card perks are actually worth the fee Smart ways to use cards for travel, groceries, and rent The real cost of carrying a balance Tips for maximizing rewards with tools like Travel Freely   New here?Join us three times a week: 💼 Washday Woosah (Sunday interviews with inspiring guests) 🪑 Brown Table Wednesdays (group chat energy, always) 🎤 BA Q&A Fridays + Conversations! (your money + career questions answered) We launched a Patreon, too!🎥 Get early access, video recordings, and exclusive book club perks:👉 patreon.com/brownambition Stay Connected:🔗 @brownambitionpodcast🌐 brownambitionpodcast.com💌 Leave a review—your feedback fuels us, BA Fam! Let’s keep rising, building, and showing out. 💼💰✊🏾See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BA Fam! We’re back at the Brown Table with your faves—Yanely Espinal (aka MissBeHelpful) and Chris Browning catching up on all the things. Mandi shares some big news: her dad got a kidney (!!) and the story behind it will have you in your feels and thinking hard about health in our communities. Then we get into the heavy stuff—yes, the U.S. bombed Iran and what that could mean for your wallet (gas, inflation, cyberattacks... fun times). Plus, why financial content during global messes can feel icky real quick. We wrap with some NYC political tea and why we keep picking trash mayors. It’s giving heart, humor, and hella perspective—like we do. 💡 What You’ll Hear This Week:  The power of organ donation and one family’s story of hope  The dark side of the dialysis industry (especially in Black communities)  How to show up for aging parents—emotionally and financially The link between war, oil prices, inflation... and your wallet AOC at Newark Airport—meaningful or messy? Why financial educators are struggling with what to post right now NY politics: Why we keep falling for mayors who “seem real” New here?Join us three times a week: 💼 Monday Motivation (deep dives + interviews) 🪑 Brown Table Wednesdays (group chat energy, always) 🎤 BA Q&A Fridays + Conversations! (your money + career questions answered) We launched a Patreon, too!🎥 Get early access, video recordings, and exclusive book club perks:👉 patreon.com/brownambition Stay Connected:🔗 @brownambitionpodcast🌐 brownambitionpodcast.com💌 Leave a review—your feedback fuels us, BA Fam! Let’s keep rising, building, and showing out. 💼💰✊🏾See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey BA Fam! Things are about to get juicy! In this episode, Mandi sits down with the fearless author and activist Mikki Kendall, whose groundbreaking work Hood Feminism is reshaping how we think about feminism, community, and survival. Mikki dives deep into her journey navigating personal growth, relationships, and the challenges of confronting white feminism. Together, they unpack the power of collective action, the importance of building strong communities, and what it truly means to survive—and thrive—in today’s America. Mikki also gives a sneak peek at her next project, Autopsy of the American Dream, and shares a much-needed reality check about the potential for America to head for its next Civil War.  Get ready for real talk on redemption, resilience, and the revolutionary strength of Black womanhood. Follow Mikki!:  https://www.instagram.com/karnythia/  https://bsky.app/profile/karnythia.bsky.social  https://x.com/karnythia?lang=en New here?Join us three times a week: 💼 Monday Motivation (deep dives + interviews) 🪑 Brown Table Wednesdays (group chat energy, always) 🎤 BA Q&A Fridays + Conversations! (your money + career questions answered) We launched a Patreon, too!🎥 Get early access, video recordings, and exclusive book club perks:👉 patreon.com/brownambition Stay Connected:🔗 @brownambitionpodcast🌐 brownambitionpodcast.com💌 Leave a review—your feedback fuels us, BA Fam! Let’s keep rising, building, and showing out. 💼💰✊🏾See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the Brown Table this week, Mandi is joined by first-time BA guests Elizabeth Ayoola, host of Smart Money by NerdWallet, and Haniyah Philogene, lifestyle reporter at TheGrio. They dive into the chaotic beauty of career pivots, being Black women in media, and the emotional labor of storytelling. We talk motherhood, dating, the cost of protective styles (spoiler: $400 braids are wild), and the complex feelings around Tyler Perry’s latest Netflix hit. The convo gets real on how Black trauma is marketed—and why we need more diverse storytelling for us, by us. We also chat about: What it really means to be "financially free" in your 30s The evolving landscape of Black journalism in a post-DEI world How social media impacts our timelines—literal and emotional Why storytelling is political, and who gets to shape the narrative Plus, Elizabeth breaks down how she got into personal finance with no journalism degree—and why she wants you to start investing (even if it’s just \$5). And Haniyah gives us the inside scoop on Black consumer power, boycotts, and making sense of it all in your group chat. New here?Join us three times a week: 💼 Monday Motivation (deep dives + interviews) 🪑 Brown Table Wednesdays (group chat energy, always) 🎤 BA Q&A Fridays (your money + career questions answered) We launched a Patreon, too!🎥 Get early access, video recordings, and exclusive book club perks:👉 patreon.com/brownambition Stay Connected:🔗 @brownambitionpodcast🌐 brownambitionpodcast.com💌 Leave a review—your feedback fuels us, BA Fam! Let’s keep rising, building, and showing out. 💼💰✊🏾See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brace yourselves, BA fam—this week’s Brown Table gets deep into the dollars and the drama. Mandi is joined by not one, not two, but three first-time Brown Table guests: Alexa Claire from The Financial Diet, JQ (aka Jonquilyn Hill) from Vox’s Explain It To Me podcast, and Yvie Saint-Louis from Blavity. They’re diving into the news, the nonsense, and the real-life mess of navigating finances, friendships, and fairness—especially when rent’s due and tensions are high. 💰 This week on the BA Q&A: Roommate conflicts when rent increases—how do you talk money without blowing up the group chat? Why “Clarity is kindness” when it comes to financial boundaries and agreements. Understanding your tenant rights and how they can protect you. The emotional and financial toll of the housing crisis—on individuals, families, and entire communities. How to balance compassion with consequences when helping others financially. Tips for setting expectations early (and why contracts aren’t just for landlords). Whether you’re navigating messy money convos, trying to keep your budget (and your friendships) intact, or just need to know you’re not alone in the struggle—this one’s for you. New here?Join us three times a week: 💼 Monday Motivation (deep dives + interviews) 🪑 Brown Table Wednesdays (group chat energy, always) 🎤 BA Q&A Fridays (your money + career questions answered) We launched a Patreon, too!🎥 Get early access, video recordings, and exclusive book club perks:👉 patreon.com/brownambition Stay Connected:🔗 @brownambitionpodcast🌐 brownambitionpodcast.com💌 Leave a review—your feedback fuels us, BA Fam! Let’s keep rising, building, and showing out. 💼💰✊🏾See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whew… this week’s Brown Table is packed, y’all. Mandi is joined by not one, not two, but three first-time Brown Table guests: Alexa Claire from The Financial Diet, JQ (aka Jonquilyn Hill) from Vox’s "Explain It To Me" podcast, and Yvie Saint-Louis from Blavity. We dive into the news, the nonsense, and everything in between from pop culture and politics to the real-life messiness of being Black, brilliant, and bold in America. This week, we get into: -Beyoncé in London: the rain, the glow, and yes, ugly tears were shed. -Trump and Elon’s billionaire beef… is it all just a stunt? -ICE raids, National Guard in LA, and why peaceful protests keep being met with force. -Why Black women are *still* expected to be the mature ones and what happens when we just want to clap back. -From Coco Gauff to Simone Biles to a teenage track star with flaming feet (literally): why the world can’t handle confident Black girls. Plus: The Tonys, the audacity of Patti LuPone, and whether Hamilton still goes hard (spoiler: it does). New here? BA fam, don’t forget—we’ve got three shows a week now: 💼 Monday Motivation (interviews and deep dives) 🪑 Brown Table Wednesdays (group chat energy, always) 🎤 BA Q\&A Fridays (your money + career questions answered) And yes, we launched a Patreon! Join to get early access, video recordings of the Brown Table, and exclusive book club perks: [patreon.com/brownambition] Stay Connected:🔗 @brownambitionpodcast🌐 brownambitionpodcast.com💌 Subscribe & leave a review—your feedback fuels us, BA Fam! Let’s keep rising, building, and showing out. 💼💰✊🏾See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.